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Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

High Lords of the Three Sisters
High Lords of the Fingers (under Lord Marq's rulership)

The Sunderland Family

Lord Oswell Sunderland 'Old Oswell', born in 177 AC, died in 211 AC

Children of his wife Lady Cimbre Sunderland nee Borell 'The Elder', born in 179 AC, died in 233

Lord Marq Sunderland, born in 201 AC

His first wife Minisa Sunderland nee. Templeton , born in 197 AC, died in 233 AC

His son Ser Lothar Sunderland, born in 221 AC, died in 239 AC

His daugther Liane Sunderland, born in 224 AC

His son Roger Sunderland, born in 226 AC

His son Ormun Sunderland, born in 228 AC

His son Oswell 'The Younger' Sunderland, born in 230 AC

His second wife Corenna Sunderland nee. Longthorpe, born in 219 AC

His daughter Cimbre Sunderland, born in 234 AC

His daugther Meredyth Sunderland, born in 236 AC

Bastard children

his son Eden Stone, born in 223 AC

his son Moryn Stone, born in 227 AC, died in 235 AC

His brother Moryn Sunderland, born in 204 AC, died in 220 AC

Ser Alwyn Sunderland, born in 183 AC, died in 218 AC

Children of his first wife Chyrsty Sunderland nee. Torrent, born in 188 AC, died in 237 AC

Ser Flement Sunderland, born in 207 AC, died in 236 AC

His first wife Lady Myra Sunderland nee. Wydman, born in 206 AC

Andrew Sunderland, born in 227 AC

Jocelyn Sunderland, born in 232 AC

Gwynesse Sunderland, born in 211 AC

Lord Marq Sunderland

Born in 201 ACMarital Status: married to Corenna Sunderland nee. Longthorpe, born in 219 AC ;
First wife: Minisa Sunderland nee. Templeton, born in 197 AC, died in 233 AC
Children: Lothar Sunderland, Liane Sunderland, Roger Sunderland, Ormun Sunderland, Oswell 'The Younger' SunderlandTemperaments:Melancholic:
- Haggler: This character is obsessed with getting the best possible deal for themselves, and ever watchful (even paranoid) for anyone trying to rip them off. This sort of fellow is rarely the sort others like, but none can deny their ability to sniff for gold. +7.5% income and improves loot from raids, -2 Charisma.

- Pessimistic: This character is always looking at the negative side of things. They may be right in some cases - when you suspect every man you meet to be a bad guy, you're probably right at least one out of ten times - but it doesn't exactly make them endearing. +1 to survival rolls, -1 Charisma.Supine:
- Amiable: This character is a pleasant person who tries very hard to get along with everyone s/he meets. Indeed, perhaps too hard, at that...they also tend to excessively seek validation from others, and at worst can be described as clingy ticks. +1 Charisma, -1 to duel rolls.

Biography: Born on Sweetsister as a member of the High Lord family Sunderland, Marq was raised under partly lordly circumstances, while discovering soonly enough that unlike in the rest of the Vale honor is hardly being respected by the Sistermen.
Faced by intrique and false promises, which were partly common among the nobility of the Three Sisters, it wasn't hard for the young lord to learn that it was wealth and the right political attitude to actually keep the vassals of his uncle and the minor lords under controll.
When the Sunderlands joined the Blackfyres during the first rebellion, Lord Sunderland and his two sons were slain at the Redgrassfield, thus causing his brother Lord Oswell Sunderland to inherit the High Lordship. While things seemed benevolent under Lord Oswell's rulership and corruption was slightly diminished, the Lord nontheless decided to participate in a meeting at Whitewalls, where the supporters of House Blackfyre attempted to start a second rebellion.
By command of Lord Brynden Rivers, Lord Oswell was executed, while Lord Marq and his siblings were summoned to King's Landing to witness the process.
At this moment the newly appointed Lord Marq Sunderland learnt at the age of 10 years that treason against the Crown and superior authorities could end more than just deadly.
Over the years, Lord Sunderland grew into a calculating man, who spent the majority of the time to get the High Lordship under controll. When he got the chance to marry a woman of House Templeton, her took her immidiately to his wife, while producing over the years as many children as there were possible to secure his blood line. While members of the Sunderland family perished either a natural or rarely a more suspicious death, Lord Sunderland kept as well in mind, that he probably couldn't change the way of the Sistermen, but only could keep the balance between corruption and legal activities as much in balance as long as he wouldn't anger his overlords.
While rumors were spreading that Lord Marq was secretly a friend of criminals among the Three Sisters despite the ammount of hanged pirates by his judgement and thus the credibility of the Sister's High Lord wasn't necessarily as trustworthy as in times of the former overlords, the prosperity of the Three Sisters rose during the reign of Lord Sunderland.
What the ambitious lord so lacked, but what he was certain to eventually gain some day was the increase of the Three Sisters' influence in terms of politics. Time would tell if these ideals would be fulfilled under his gouvernment or under another Sunderland from his blood line.

- Empathic: This character is strongly attuned to the emotions of others and cares for them, making them great friends or kinsmen to have - but poor warriors and generals. +2 Charisma, -1 to battle/joust/duel rolls.

Sanguine:
- Sociable: This character is an extroverted social butterfly, capable of making friends left and right. However, they have little time for 'boring' matters like finances, and are more interested in buying flashy things to show off to their friends than managing their wealth. +1 Charisma, -2% income.

Traits: Survival +2 Personal Combat +1 Wealth +2 Charisma +1
(+ 2 Charisma + 3% income
-1 to Battle/joust/duel rolls)
Biography: Originally the secondborn son of Lord Marq, Roger was more or less involved into courtly buiseness, where he learnt more or less many things, which his father tended to preach, while kindly disagreeing on these views of world. In his youth, Roger spent a long time of his life along the townsmen of Sweetsister and the neighboured town Sisterton, gouverned by the Borrels with whom Roger is related due to his grandmother.
While seeing partly the corruption on and outside the streets of the Sisters, Roger eyes it from a more optimistic perspective that these problems can be changed at some day, if the merchant buiseness into which his father is involved would grow more while piracy, which tends to threaten these perilous waters is fought back actively in order to make the Sisters more trustworthy allies for the Vale and thus for the Crown. While his father welcomes the forsight of his secondborn, Roger isn't too convinced that he agrees with him, when it comes to the solution of the piracy problem. He himself isn't either sure whether to belief the rumors which are spread about his father, as it could be intrique from the minor lordly Houses in order to destroy the reputation of the Sunderlands after two lost Blackfyre rebellions completely.
Things tended to escalate though when his elder brother Lothar was found dead in a sideway alley of Sisterton, obviously robbed by a beggar.
While a culprit for the murder was found soon enough, Roger suddenly became the direct heir of the Sunderlands. With the current situation being barely safe for his secondborn son, Lord Sunderland eventually considers to send him as a ward towards the Eyrie.

Liane Sunderland

Born in 224 ACMarital Status:unmarriedChildren: noneTemperaments: Sanguine:
- Sociable: This character is an extroverted social butterfly, capable of making friends left and right. However, they have little time for 'boring' matters like finances, and are more interested in buying flashy things to show off to their friends than managing their wealth. +1 Charisma, -2% income.

- Upbeat: Nothing seems to get this character down. They're perpetually smiling and looking on the bright side of even the darkest developments, truly the kind of optimism that can be infectious...or delusional, if the situation is bad enough. +1 to surviving non-battle death rolls, -1 to post-battle rolls (captivity, death, wounding).

Supine:
- Submissive: This character is the sort of person others can easily walk all over. On the other hand, they're generally regarded as beneath suspicion, and if they ever find their spine they could easily strike back without their foes seeing it coming. -1 to Charisma, -1 Battles, +1 to assassination & escape rolls.Traits: Survival +2 Charisma +1 Assassin +1
(+1 surviving non-battle death rolls,
+1 to assassination & escape
-1 Battles
-1 post battle rolls -2% income)
Biography: As the older sister of Roger and his brothers, Liane grew up in a household, which was most of the time dominated by men. Thus the girl quickly learnt that it was sometimes helpful to listen at court whom to actually trust, when it came to matters, which concerned her family and the current situation of the Sisters. Especially her aunt, Gwynesse Sunderland, had always an open ear for the young girl, while teaching her in the subtle ways of how to survive in a society, mostly ruled by men and especially in a society ruled by men, who daily tend to make their deals with more untrustworthy fellows. While Liane lacks the financial knowledge, which both her father and her brother possess, she nontheless knows how a young woman in her position is supposed to act at court or within the streets of the Three Sisters.

Sweetsister

Regional Boni

Minor Castle
Minor Castles have the following attributes:
- If an invading army is known to be in the area before it arrives at the Minor Castle, it will last for 6 months (3.5 RL days) in a siege. Otherwise, it will last 1.5 RL days (~2.5 months). The enemy army is known to be in the area ifa friendly army has been defeated in the area ("the area" meaning anywhere up to 2 provinces away) or if a scout roll has found that army in the area.
- Have a +4 roll to any Siege assault undertaken against them.
- Can hold their entire garrison plus 100% of the base Land Levy points of their province.

Minor Castles can be upgraded to Castles (and gain the bonuses and attributes of them) if a player builds a Tier II Siege Defence building in that Minor Castle.

The Sistermen's Sea: The people of the Three Sisters are masters of the sea and have long defended their islands from attack. If a battle is fought around the Sisters , then they are granted +2 to naval rolls. in addition, character's here gain +1 naval battles.

The Sisters' Wealth: Due to their position of controlling some of the waterways between Essos and Braavos and the many less than legal ships that venture from the Three Sisters, the Sisters gain an additional +10% land income.

Buildings & Edicts

TIER I Small Trade Market - Gives access to the trade system, provides one resource to select to trade.

Market Square: +10% income

(Coastal Only) Dockyard: +500 naval militia points, +10% income

Keep Expansions: +25% castle garrison size permitted

Militia Armoury: +500 Militia Points

Wall Reinforcements: +1 Siege Defence rolls

City Watch Quarters: 400 Light Infantry permanently stationed in your home territory. Cannot be moved elsewhere.

Edicts:Centralised Power. +5,000 Dragons to your income per vassal. Vassals will not maintain their own Militia and will only send 50% of their Levy if summoned. (cannot have if Vassal Autonomy is taken) (Unavailable to Lords Paramount, except if applying it only directly to their minor lords sworn to them, cannot be applied to High Lord vassals, or to vassals you control but are not in your High Lordship)

Current Trade deals: None
Produced Rescources:Flax (+2 Charisma for the Lord, +20% faster ships) is grown for use in the production of linen, an important cloth both in domestic and industrial uses, being used extensively for clothing, sewing, upholstry and sailcloth. Due to the great importance and prestige of the textile industries in this time, it allows superior ships to be built and elevates the Lord among mercantile circles.

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

The man is lead forward, as the castle guards let him pass through.
While though the actual keep of the Sunderlands was still the very same rotten castle on top of a hill with minor improvements being done, Sisterton itself had grown over the course of the last years under the gouvernment of Lord Marq. Several merchant ships have already anchored within the harbour, some being sent from the Free Cities, wheras others came from White Harbour and Gulltown. Even few Westerlander Carracks could be spotted, as the harbour housed an entire trade center. A perfect place for anyone, who wanted to meet up with minor merchants.
Thus the atmosphere within the castle grounds was compared to the outside more than dull.
Merchants as other persons of lower or higher rank entered and left the castle grounds, when Ser Marwyn was let inside.

Eventually he was lead into Lord Sunderland's solar, where he looked up surprised, when the high lord's son entered. Another person, who was obviously a commoner, probably one of Sunderland's captains apologized himself before leaving the room."Ser Belmore, do I recognize the banner correctly?", he asked then jovial, while offering his guest a seat at a round table, "If not, I hope you can apologize me. I'm quite a busy man and as usual trade and buiseness bring me together with so many people that I sometimes forget the upper society."

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

Belmore chuckles dryly at the mans words, "Aye I'm Ser Belmore, heir to Strongsong. Its been a while since I visited the Sisters," He began studying the Lord, "It seems you have done a lot to improve these islands my lord. They seem to be flourishing."

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

"Sometimes even the most rotten sinkhole can shine bright like a jewel, Ser Belmore", Marq commented with a laugh, "The piracy is a severe problem on these islands, mylord, as it is the past of the Sistermen. We once ruled as kings over this domain until the Starks forced our ancestors along with the Boltons into allying up with the Eyrie. While we're part of the Vale until this day this legacy will never be contested by another, although trade might be the seed of a new one.
As you can see I merely utilized the potential of our location and convinced trade partners to actually stop on this island.
We traded lobster and other sea food for eons, while I cultivated the production of flax and other goods over the last years."He sneered, slightly being reminded of how the years on the Three Sisters were before his rulership.
"You know, it took me a long time to achieve this.
My father and his grandfather were more knights of the Vale like you. Bold, proud while nontheless just pirates, who seeked their fame on the mainland.
Eventually it would lead to both of their downfall, as my grandfather died at the Redgrass Field an infamous death as a traitor to the realm
and my father was hanged on Bloodraven's orders. Since the Sunderlands made their pact with the Blackfyres noone wished to trust me for decades after I managed
to wash the name of my family by supporting the realm when I didn't join Blackfyre during the Third invasion.
Heh.
And suddenly they're all coming to my doorsteps, including you, Ser!
Thus, what brings you here other than telling me the obvious?"

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

Originally Posted by Lord Dread

"Sometimes even the most rotten sinkhole can shine bright like a jewel, Ser Belmore", Marq commented with a laugh, "The piracy is a severe problem on these islands, mylord, as it is the past of the Sistermen. We once ruled as kings over this domain until the Starks forced our ancestors along with the Boltons into allying up with the Eyrie. While we're part of the Vale until this day this legacy will never be contested by another, although trade might be the seed of a new one.
As you can see I merely utilized the potential of our location and convinced trade partners to actually stop on this island.
We traded lobster and other sea food for eons, while I cultivated the production of flax and other goods over the last years."He sneered, slightly being reminded of how the years on the Three Sisters were before his rulership.
"You know, it took me a long time to achieve this.
My father and his grandfather were more knights of the Vale like you. Bold, proud while nontheless just pirates, who seeked their fame on the mainland.
Eventually it would lead to both of their downfall, as my grandfather died at the Redgrass Field an infamous death as a traitor to the realm
and my father was hanged on Bloodraven's orders. Since the Sunderlands made their pact with the Blackfyres noone wished to trust me for decades after I managed
to wash the name of my family by supporting the realm when I didn't join Blackfyre during the Third invasion.
Heh.
And suddenly they're all coming to my doorsteps, including you, Ser!
Thus, what brings you here other than telling me the obvious?"

"It is time for me to wed again My Lord Sudderland," The man says simply, "My wife has been done for near ten years, and my father will not live for ever, Strongsong will need a lady to see to it's needs and your house is on the rise."

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

"Ah well, by coincedence I could say the same about my cousin Gwynesse... well not exactly, but a fair maiden of 30 years, who hasn't been married off yet", Sunderland said after a while, "Granted that the marriage occurs, I'm certain there is a dowery, isn't there?"
Greed glanced for a short second within Sunderland's eyes, as he allowed Ser Bellmore to think about these last words.

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

Originally Posted by Lord Dread

"Ah well, by coincedence I could say the same about my cousin Gwynesse... well not exactly, but a fair maiden of 30 years, who hasn't been married off yet", Sunderland said after a while, "Granted that the marriage occurs, I'm certain there is a dowery, isn't there?"
Greed glanced for a short second within Sunderland's eyes, as he allowed Ser Bellmore to think about these last words.

Belmore nodded at the words, better than a slip of a girl in his opinion. He had married once before this would be more political "Your cousin may make a good match presuming the Dowry is right."

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

"Exactly my words, Ser Belmore", Lord Sunderland sighed, before being more gentle again, "I guess your Lord father surely knows what he would pay a lord as a prize for a fine girl, didn't he?
Gwynesse is a fine choice as well. Never married, hopefully still a virgin and a charismatic woman. My daughter Liane learnt a lot from her."

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

A letter arrives, addressed to lord Sunderland and clearly penned by Jasper himself.

I thank you for the gift my lord, and it warms the heart to know you have done this much to improve the condition of your lands. Your son and daughter are well, good children that I would be proud to call my own. Keep your ears and eyes open my friend, dark times are coming to Westeros and the knights of the Vale may ride to worse than tourney grounds in the years to come.

Your dear friend, Lord Jasper Arryn, Lord if the Eyrie, Lord Protectir of the Vale, and Warden of the East

______________________

A representative of Brydan the Crownlander arrives to speak with Lord Sunderland, the man is from the Summer Isles, dark as coal with pearl white teeth.

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

The Summer Islander is lead forward into the solar of Lord Sunderland, where he is warmly greeted by said lord."Ah, another guest", he said jovial, while gesturing over towards a table in order for both the men to sit down, "Welcome to my halls, master, as I presume you might help me to remember what deal we had.
My guardsmen informed me, that you came due to a request of mine - yet, as you might understand, so many people around here. Always hard to keep track of them, when money flows like a river. Heh!"

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

The man utters a strange series of words in a foreign tongue, before continuing in common with a thick accent. “I am Jala Xhi, a Summer Islander in service to Brydan the Crownlander.” He replied. “I have no knowledge of the nature of my visit, only that you have some kind of offer for my master.”

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

"An offer indeed, Master Xhi", Lord Marq replied as he seemed to remember, "It came to my attention that Master Brydan is currently establishing his buiseness as one of the more influential merchants
of the realm. I have heard that his buiseness reaches from the Capital to the South of Westeros - thus he's excellent as a partner for me, as we both aim probably for the same."
He made a short pause before continiueing."As you might know, the realm under King Duncan's rulership is changing. Changing to what degree will be hard to predict, as word from the Eyrie warned me that there might be a dire future ahead.
Yet it is something on which we can both build on, should the Crown maintain it's controll over the realm. We both know how dangerous the buiseness of merchants can be, especially in these dire times.

Thus, why shouldn't we cooperate? With the richdoms of Sisterton I can benefit Master Brydan in several ways: More coin in order to grow, my protection behind my walls, should the tides of politics promise him
a sinister future, even his own castle as a Landlord... these three things can I offer your master, as we would both benefit from it already."

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

Jala exclaimed something in his quire tongue. “My master would be quite interested in holding lands of course, and the other offers are interesting as well.” He gave an odd smile. “Tell me, what would you desire in return, Lord Sutterlin?” He still had trouble pronouncing these westerosi names.

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

Sunderland smiled, ignoring the misprounounced name as usual."A merchant guild, Master Xhi", he said politely, "Influence within the Seven Kingdoms is key, especially when we attempt to prosper.
Currently I try to win the Manderlys of White Harbour for my plans, but they will hopefully reply in time, while the Freys and the Graftons of Gulltown shall soon follow.
I intend to found a Guild, which stretches initially over the northern areas of trade, before we will expand into the South, winning other cities for our goal. Eventually we might stretch
this task over the Free Cities, but time will tell if we're able to persuade the Magisters of Pentos and others for our cause."
Lord Sunderland made a short pause before continiueing.
"In the end the task is clear: We merchants, lords and those who hold influence, shall ally up in order to keep controll over the market. Cities like Sisterton might prosper easily,
but the task of defending them in worst case against higher authorities is a matter, where we and those, with whom we trade wish more safety.
The purpose of the Guild will be to finance our interests.
May it be swords, politics or anything else you can controll with a coin.
Master Brydan solely needs to nominally be my vassal, but in terms of the Guild we will be partners. My word on that."

He made a short pause before continiueing."And as well as Master Brydan, I would be interested in another holdfast among the island.
Word spreads fast here in Sisterton and they already found one of my sons being murdered on the streets. The keep, Master Brydan would controll, shall as well be one of many places, where we can discuss further plans for the future."

Re: Sweetsister, Seat of House Sunderland

“And how much would all of this cost my master?” He replied. “He is a wealthy man with many friends in the east, but not so wealthy that coin is no obstacle.”

"Nothing", Lord Sunderland replied simply, "I will pay the holdfast and name him as its owner. The rest is already done with his support towards my cause."

OOC: Would apply to the Merchant Lord rules, which would be
1. The class operates under all the rules and restrictions of the merchant class
2. The Merchant-Lord collects only 25% of the land income (in case of the holdfast, Sunderland builds, +7,500 Gold to your current income per year, once it's finished)
3. The risk rate for assets in his own keep drop from 2/20 to 1/20.
4. They do not collect the bannerman stipend
5. Merchant Lords must be GIVEN lands by a lord qualified to award them lands. They may NOT start with their own lands: this means you cannot register a Merchant Lord as a character starting with territory, and you also may not convert an existing Lord into a Merchant Lord.
6. They may raise only half of the levy for any reason.